Four killed in Maharashtra violence

Dhule: Four people were killed and more than 100 people were injured in clashes in Maharashtra's Dhule town on Sunday, reports said.

The violence broke out between two communities in the crowded Machchi Bazaar area, reportedly over the payment of a restaurant bill.

Police had to use water cannons, tear gas and finally firing to disperse the mob.

A total of 49 policemen were among those injured.

"The clash between two communities broke out at around 3 pm yesterday. Police first resorted to lathicharge, and later firing. Some people were killed and others received minor injuries. The Rapid Action Force (RAF) and State Reserve Police personnel are there and the situation is peaceful right now," a report quoted Deven Bharti, ADG, Law and Order, Maharashtra, on Monday.

Curfew has been imposed on the affected areas.

The cause of the clash was reportedly a tiff over non-payment of a hotel bill by a group of four people, an official said.

After they were beaten up by the hotel staff for failing to pay the bill, they went away and returned with a large group after which the violence escalated, the official said.

The situation is now under control, he said.

Maharashtra chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan has appealed for calm. "I appeal to every one to maintain peace and calm," a report quoted Chavan as saying.